Spring Revolution Daily Notes (July 23, 2026)

National Unity Government The People's Defence Force (PDF) under the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG), the 33rd Tactical Division in Tanintharyi Region, announced on July 23 that it is recruiting new soldiers and has also outlined the necessary qualifications for those wishing to join as new recruits. In Sagaing Region, Katha District, along the Bhamo-Mandalay Union Highway and surrounding areas where fighting is intensifying, road restrictions have been imposed for the safety of local residents, and the highest level of warning has been issued against contacting the military, according to the Katha District No. 3 Battalion. A shootout occurred in Magway Region, Natmauk Township, when a car carrying a major from the Guegone Communications Unit was intercepted, resulting in the major sustaining serious injuries and one soldier dying on the spot, according to the Natmauk Township People's Defence Force (Pekaf). The Southern YSO PDF (Magway Federal Unit Military Column-3), which was subjected to an airstrike by a jet fighter from the terrorist military group, will continue to strive to regain its footing, the Southern YSO PDF announced today. Revolutionary Activities Approximately 500 prisoners, including 100 political prisoners, were suddenly transferred from Taungoo Prison in Bago Region to Thayarwady Prison on the morning of July 23, according to the Prisoners' Rights Foundation (PPF). Due to the military group committing daily atrocities more than battles, the humanitarian crisis is worsening, said Ma May Hnin of the Emergency Management Committee – Mandalay (EMC – MDY) yesterday (July 22). In Myaing Township, Magway Region, where the military group is conducting patrols, the bodies of local residents who were killed have been found, and Sinma Village has been set on fire for two consecutive days from July 21 to July 22, according to the Anya Myar Civil Society Organization – Myaing. The commitment to building lasting peace in Myanmar was reaffirmed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Manila, Philippines, The Manila Times reported today. Ethnic Armed Organizations In a battle that took place in Tiddim Township, northern Chin State, 6 members of the military and its subordinate Zomi group (ZRA) were killed, according to a press release from PDF Zoelen. Military Council Shops selling instant food products without Myanmar language product labels will be prosecuted, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DOCA), controlled by the military junta, announced on July 21. Arrests are being made at town entrances and within homes due to alleged evasion of conscription, said Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Major General Min Thu, of the coup military junta at a People's Assembly meeting held yesterday. Myanmar's coup leader Min Aung Hlaing will discuss the pollution of the Karwi River on the Thai-Myanmar border during his visit to Thailand next August, said the Thai Prime Minister. The Pyin Oo Lwin District Court sentenced the perpetrators of a robbery at the Aung San Pyae Gold Shop in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region, which occurred on November 12, 2025, to death by hanging on July 16, according to a military junta-controlled newspaper published on July 23. The Ministry of Electricity and Energy, under the military junta, has announced that it is offering leniency measures such as not cutting off electricity supply and collecting only 50 percent of compensation for those using electricity through illicit means. Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Services, General Yex Win Oo, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar met in Naypyidaw on the afternoon of July 22 to discuss border area stability, internal peace, and enhancing strategic cooperation. In response to a question about rising commodity prices, Deputy Minister of Finance and Revenue, Daw Than Than Lin, stated that the Ministry of Commerce and Trade is cooperating with the Myanmar Rice and Paddy Association to ensure sufficient domestic rice consumption, orderly export sales, and stable and fair rice market prices by periodically releasing benchmark prices for rice and paddy. The Kalaywa Hydroelectric Power Project, once completed, will be able to supply electricity to over 10,000 households in addition to the agricultural sector, the military junta announced again.